The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we explore the potential impact of armed UAVs on naval strategies worldwide; we bring the views of two industry experts on the impact of the Integrated Review on the British Army following the cancellation of the Warrior programme; and with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence & Space, we discuss the increasing use of small satellites for civil and military missions. Newsround [01:08] Industry proposals for Increment 2 of the US Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability are expected by 4 June. Israel Aerospace Industries is exploring the potential of nanosatellites and microsatellites to deliver persistent overhead surveillance of threat areas. Saab is to upgrade the BOW radar warning equipment on German Air Force Tornado fighter aircraft in a new multiyear contract. In the UK, the long-awaited restart of the Fleet Solid Support ship programme was confirmed on the 21 May by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Fincantieri subsidiary Marinette Marine will build the second vessel in the Constellation class of guided-missile frigates. Construction of the future USS Congress is scheduled for completion in January 2027. In focusDefence Journalist Alix Valenti, News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discuss how armed drones with stand-off attack capabilities could be used in the naval domain. From Turkey to the US, the potential increase in the use of UCAVs could mark a change in naval doctrine.  Interview – IR and British Land forces [21:27]Tim Fish speaks to Ben Barry, Senior Fellow for Land Warfare at IISS, and Nicholas Drummond, a defence industry analyst and former British Army officer, for in-depth analysis of how the cancellation of the Warrior programme and the wider Integrated Review will shape the British Army of the future and its role within the NATO alliance.  Industry voice [50:50] The small satellite revolution has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for those wanting to put payloads into orbit.Creative Director Tony Skinner sits down with Ron Fehlen, Director for ISR and Communications for Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Matt Magana, President of Blue Canyon, to discuss the increasing use of small satellites for civil and military missions.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we speak about the latest upsurge in the Gaza-Israel conflict and look at the capabilities fielded by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Hamas; and we catch up with Shephard’s Military Training Editor to discuss some of the latest developments in his domain.Newsround [01:07]In Russia, Rosoboronexport has delivered underwater pistols and assault rifles to an unnamed foreign customer.Turkey has begun tests of an indigenously produced engine to power the Altay main battle tank.As the virtual SOFIC event kicks off this week, speakers call for US special forces to leverage and blend three kinds of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to operate in semi-permissive and potentially non-permissive environments.In France, industry has until 25 May to respond to a Request for Proposals for 500 small UAVs and nanodrones.In Focus Defence journalist Alix Valenti, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish, and Air Editor Tim Martin engage in a roundtable discussion about the capabilities fielded by Israel and Hamas across the air, land, and sea domains. Topics range from the Iron Dome air defence system to Ayyash 250 rockets, Shebab drones, Eitan and Hermes drones used by the IAF and IDF, and Sa’ar 5-class corvettes. Deep Dive – News from the Simulation and Training sector [23:49]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash to discuss recent developments from the S&T domain. They discuss Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), including the recent agreement between FlightSafety International and Flight Research which will kickstart a new UPRT programme. As the grey warfare calls for new requirements, Trevor also looks at how the British Army is changing the way it trains its soldiers. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Raytheon Intelligence and Space.It was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we speak to Shephard’s Asia-Pacific editor for the  monthly round up of the news from his region, and in a conversation with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space we talk about developments in satellite ground systems. Newsround [00:47]Rheinmetall and  BAE Systems Land officially received an £800 million ($1.12 billion) contract on 7 May from the UK Ministry of Defence to upgrade 148 British Army Challenger3 main battle tanks.The US Army confirmed on 12 May it plans to retire its Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) by the end of FY2022.In Italy, Elettronica is to equip Italian U212 Near Future Submarines with an electronic warfare suite.A contract from Fincantieri covers the provision of two suites for the first batch of submarines and an optional two additional suites.Moscow’s Red Square hosted the annual Russian Victory Day parade on 9  May.  This year the Moscow event was notable for the lack of new equipment on display compared with previous years. There were still parade debutants, including the Buk-M3 SAM system, Taifun-PVO armoured MANPADS vehicle and ISDM remote minelaying system.In focus: The team discusses the deployment of the Carrier Strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, both from a Royal Navy capability perspective and also looking at the wider UK political interests in strengthening relationships with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish comments on news that Poland is moving ahead with its Narew SHORAD programme. While this programme could fill a gap in Polish air defence, key questions still remain to be answered.In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the current state of UK MoD plans to put forward requirements for medium helicopter acquisitions. Deep dive: News from the Asia Pacific [24:50] News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss recent defence news from the region. Topics of conversation include India’s progress in the acquisition of new light tank for mountain operations; Australian procurement of heavy armour;  and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet rapidly growing with three new ships entering service. Industry Voice – Interview with Raytheon Intelligence Space [45:10]Creative Director Tony Skinner talks to Cristy Cox, programme director for satellite ground systems, and Karen Casey, chief engineer for satellite ground systems at Raytheon Intelligence and Space, to discuss satellite ground systems and data sharing that allows for faster decision making.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, our team of subject matter experts delves into stories from the land and air domains, and in an interview with Supacat we look at the wider impact of the Integrated Review on some key British Army programmes.Newsround [00:55] French company Dassault confirmed on 4 May  a follow-on order from Egypt for 30 Rafale multirolefighter aircraft in an estimated €4 billion deal. The delivery schedule for the 30 extra Rafales was undisclosed at the time of the announcement, and Shephard has since learned that the contract has still not officially been signed as a bank loan needs to be finalised that is 85% guaranteed by the French state.Boeing is poised to provide India with six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, after the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress that the State Department approved the potential sale.Elbit Systems has successfully completed acceptance tests for combat suites aboard the Hellenic Coast Guard’s new patrol vessels in the Aegean. Trials included integration level tests of the combat systems and subsystems onboard the vessel as well as live firing tests from the onboard remote-controlled weapon stations.Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russian conglomerate Rostec, recently warned that his companies are accelerating the development of domestic microelectronics ‘as foreign deliveries can be stopped at any time’. The need to ensure technological independence from foreign suppliers requires Russia to spend big over an extended period of time. Yet it is debatable whether Russia can guarantee stable funding in the post-COVID Russian economy.In focus Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the latest news concerning the US Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme. Ahead of a FLRAA contract award to Bell or a joint Boeing and Sikorsky team, the US Army has decided to keep manufacturing costs and programme risks confidential.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish looks at potential delays in Canada on the Long-Range Reconnaissance System for the LAV, amid reports that one of the companies involved in the programme is suffering severe financial issues.And as the Australian  government seeks FMS approval from the US for an upgrade to its Abrams tank fleet, Tim also looks at what this means for the country’s land forces.Interview – Supacat [19:00] News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Phil Applegarth, director and head of Supacat, and Steve Austin, engineering director of the company, to dive into how UK industry reacts to the Integrated Review and MoD Command Paper.  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the Shephard team looks at the global MLRS market, focusing on current programmes and platform upgrades; and in an interview with the Digital Ground Forces Division of the IDF, we discuss its Tzaid programme, also known as Torch.Newsround [ 00:56] Turkish defence companies Ares Shipyard and Meteksan unveiled the new anti-submarine warfare variant of the ULAQ unmanned surface vehicle family on 23 April. Australia got one step closer to receiving its first UCAV after the US State Department approved a potential $1.65 billion FMS package for up to 12 weapons-ready MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft.The US Army in Europe is adopting Li-Fi optical wireless communication technology that uses the visible light, ultraviolet and IR spectra to transmit data.UK-based pureLiFi will provide its Kitefin system to US Army Europe and Africa in what the company described as ‘the world’s first large-scale deployment’ of the technology.In FocusA week on from the sinking of the Nangala Cakra-class (Type 209) Indonesian submarine north of the coast of Bali, News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Reporter Tim Fish look at submarine safety and consider the wider implications the incident will have on the Indonesian Navy.This week also marks a key moment for the Spanish Army as after a decade-long wait, Spanish shipbuilder Navantia launched the first of four S-80A Plus submarines and could be ready to deliver the new platforms from 2023. In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses Finland’s progress on the HX programme. Helsinki is getting closer to selecting an aircraft for its €9.4 billion ($11.4 billion) HX fighter competition after receiving best and final offers from five competitors.And the testing of IFV contenders for the Czech Army programmes begun this week with the service initiating tests of three IFVs on 26 April.  Deep Dive – Global Market of MLRS [23:20] Senior Land Analyst Sunny Butterworth discusses updates, replacements and the wider global market for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). Interview – IDF [41:48]Tim Fish is on the line with Major Amos Shor, Head of the Digital Ground Forces Division, Ground-Forces Weaponry Branch of the IDF, for a conversation about the Tzaid programme, also known as Torch. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we comment on Lockheed Martin’s Q1 financial results, we delve into IFV procurement in Slovakia, and we talk to Blighter Surveillance Systems about C-UAS market trends. Newsround [01:00]  Just two months after Moscow agreed to extend the New START nuclear arms treaty with the US, Russia is now updating its intercontinental ballistic missile inventory with plans to field a new-generation system to replace the RS-24 Yars.The Budget Committee of the German Parliament has approved investment totalling €600 million in multiple procurement programmes. Israel Aerospace Industries revealed on 19 April that the Barak ER extended-range interceptor missile, tested in March, is now in serial production with the Israeli defence forces most likely to be the launch customer. On 16 April, the French Navy received its first FREMM air defence frigate, Alsace,  from shipbuilder Naval Group. BAE Systems has finished construction of the bow of HMS Glasgow, which is the first City-class Type 26 frigate for the UK Royal Navy.In FocusAir Editor Tim  Martin discusses Lockheed Martin’s  Q1 financial results, in which the company said it can reduce operating costs of the F-35 to $25,000 per flight hour.In news from the land desk, Senior Land Reporter Tim  Fish discussed how the Slovak MoD is procuring new infantry fighting vehicles to replace its old Soviet-era platforms.Interview- Blighter Surveillance Systems [18:15] Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira speaks to Angus Hone, CEO of UK-based company Blighter, about the latest developments in C-UAS platforms and drone detection radars, as well as market trends for these systems. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

 In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Aeralis to discuss the company R&D contract with the RAF for the development of a modular jet; Viasat join us to dive into its efforts to counter cyber threats; and in a conversation with Bell we look at the company's progress on the V-280 Valor tiltrotor. Newsround [00:59]The USAF has suffered a setback in its quest to develop hypersonic weapons, after experiencing a failed booster vehicle flight test for the prototype AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon.Rostec announced on 9 April that the A Lyulki Design Bureau in its United Engine Corporation subsidiary has completed initial tests of a pulse detonation engine demonstrator.The ninth NATO-owned Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will feature the J- MUSIC missile-protection system from Elbit Systems, the Israeli company announced on 13 April.In the UK, Babcock International and BAE Systems will continue in-service support for the 4.5-inch Mk 8 medium-calibre guns used by the Royal Navy on its Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.In Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish and  Air Editor Tim Martin discuss US President Joe Biden’s announcement that the remaining US troops in Afghanistan are pulling out. While the US military involvement in Afghanistan could cease, Biden stressed that diplomatic and humanitarian work will continue between the two countries.Tim Fish reports on the US Army efforts to move ahead with the Cold weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) programme with the down-selection of two contenders.Tim Martin discusses a report from Shephard contributor Grzegorz Sobzack, who looked into the Polish Perkoz light helicopter procurement programme being suspended less than a year on from its launch. Interview- Aeralis [18:15] Tim Martin speaks to Tristan Crawford, CEO and Founder of Aeralis, about the company’s R&D contract award with the RAF and its joint initiative with Thales to develop the Aeralis family of aircraft. Interview- Viasat [39:32]Richard Thomas speaks to Ken Peterman, President of Government Systems at Viasat, to look at the company’s efforts in the world of cyber security.Industry Voice – Bell [59:26] Shephard Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks with  Carl Coffman, Vice President, Future Vertical Lift Strategy at Bell, about the company's progress on the V-280 Valor tiltrotor and how next-generation rotorcraft will meet the future needs of the US Army.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we discuss all the news across the air, land, and sea domains, and we talk to Israeli company Camero Tech about new sense-through-the-wall systems using ultra-wideband imaging.  Newsround [01:13] The USN is procuring 11 additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Boeing for $1.7 billion. Two of these will be supplied to the Royal Australian Air Force as a partner in the P-8A programme.The Japanese government has decided to deploy future F-35B fighters of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, as it eyes ways to protect its southwest archipelago.In Europe, meanwhile, the Slovak Air Force fleet of 13 Mi-17s is undergoing a partial overhaul that would add seven years or 1,000 flight hours to its service life.In FocusNews Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from Shephard contributor Samuel Beal, who reports on how SMEs and larger defence companies have recovered divergently one year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish joins the team on the show for the first time and provides an update on the US Army’s Integrated Tactical Network capabilities; he also discusses the significance of the recently reactivated US Army V Corps in Europe. The UK appears to be procuring an extra MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 platform, even though it remains unclear how this would benefit the RAF. Air Editor Tim Martin reports. Interview- Camero Tech [ 18:04] Ben Vogel is on the line with Amir Beeri, founder and CEO of Camero Tech, an Israeli company which specialises in ultra-wide band imaging solutions, to discuss the industry developments of See through the Walls technologies and the company solutions to provide operators with situational awareness. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we cast our gaze to the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the unrest in Myanmar, Chinese activities in the South China Sea and procurement highlights from across the region.Newsround [00:37]The US Army has placed a major order with sole bidder Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rocket pods.The UK Royal Navy is continuing efforts to explore the use of unmanned craft after welcoming into service the new Maritime Demonstrator For Operational Experimentation vessel, also known as Madfox.State tests of the Russian nuclear submarine Belgorod are expected to begin in May.This would mark a significant milestone in a programme that has experienced a series of setbacks and restarts since the submarine was laid down in 1992.France is making progress on its next-generation aircraft carrier and FDI frigate programmes, with additional details of design phases and vessel construction respectively. However, the delivery timeline for the first-in-class FDI vessel appears to have slipped slightly.In FocusIn the US, the Biden administration has given its blessing to the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) missile defence programme, overcoming fears that this initiative — a brainchild of the Trump presidency — would be cancelled. Ben Vogel discusses Jason Sherman’s report.  Air Editor Tim Martin reports on Swedish company Saab’s recent flight test of a 3D-printed hatch for Gripen. What does this mean for future frontline maintenance and repair? Deep dive- News from the Asia Pacific [13:45]Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur for an overview of the recent political and defence news from the region.Conversation topics include the military parade in Myanmar on 27 March, attended by representatives from Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, and Pakistan; latest steps by China to boost its presence in the South China Sea; a collaborative agreement between South Korea and Israel to market  loitering munitions; and scepticism about progress in the Attack-class programme for the Royal Australian Navy.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest    

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we go in-depth into the recently released MoD Command Paper, which sets out how the concept of a 'Global Britain in a competitive age' will be achieved from a military/strategic standpoint.Integrated Review- In focus [00:30]In this special edition of the podcast Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel are joined by Air Vice Marshal John Stringer, Director of Strategy at UK Joint Forces Command, and Gary Waterfall, retired AVM in the RAF and ex-Operations Chief of Staff in Permanent Joint Headquarters, now in post as the Senior Military Advisor to DSEI.In a roundtable discussion, we explore the implications of the Command Paper for the UK armed forces and look into broader strategic objectives that the MoD wants to achieve. Integrated Review – focus on Air, Land and Sea programmes [34:52]  Richard Thomas, Ben Vogel and Air Editor Tim Martin engage in an in-depth conversation about significant outcomes from the IR for key air, land and sea programmes.The first part of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy confirmed the UK carrier strike programme will progress with at least 48 F-35s to equip the RAF by 2025. The second part of the Command Paper released on 22 March raised some questions about what the actual number of aircraft will be.The MoD will expand nuclear weapons stockpile up to 260 warheads, and the National Shipbuilding Strategy will undergo an updates for vessels manufacturing, maintenance, subsystems and design. Type 26 , Type 31 and Type 32 frigates and the Fleet Solid Support Ship programme should go ahead, securing naval manufacturing through the 2020s.As for the British Army, procurement of Ajax and Boxer as well as the Challenger 2 upgrade are set to progress. This comes at the expense of the Warrior programme, which the MoD will terminate.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest